Banking and Finance

Risky Business

Wracked by the financial crisis of 2008, banks around the globe have been bailed out with public money and pilloried by public opinion. Still, European governments have yet to find common ground on ways to curb risky trading and regulate dangerous banking practices.

The new government in Athens is intent on forcing Europe to change its approach to Greek debt -- thus far in vain. A confrontation is brewing, and both sides stand to lose. By Martin Hesse and Christian Reiermannmore...[ Comment ]

The recent decision by the European Central Bank to open the monetary floodgates has weakened the euro and is boosting the German economy. But the move increases the threat of turbulence on the financial markets and could trigger a currency war. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Fears that the euro zone is heading for deflation refuse to abate. Now, many economists are demanding that the European Central Bank hand out money to consumers to stimulate the economy. But would it work? By Anne Seithmore...[ Comment ]

Six years after the Lehman disaster, the industrialized world is suffering from Japan Syndrome. Growth is minimal, another crash may be brewing and the gulf between rich and poor continues to widen. Can the global economy reinvent itself? By Michael Saugamore...[ Comment ]

On Sunday, Europe will release the results of its banking stress tests. In an interview, former PIMCO head Mohamed El-Erian speaks with SPIEGEL about what to expect and how Europe's core countries are failing to adequately confront a flagging economy. Interview Conducted by Martin Hessemore...[ Comment ]

An extended period of calm on the bond markets has led many to conclude the euro crisis is over. But German central bank head Jens Weidmann says in an interview that the coast still isn't clear and that there is still great need for reforms. Interview by Armin Mahler and Anne Seithmore...[ Comment ]

The euro crisis may have eased recently, but companies and countries in the common currency zone still aren't investing enough to fuel growth. The best solution, a Berlin economics institute argues, is to establish an EU-wide investment fund. By Christian Reiermannmore...[ Comment ]

Though the European Central Bank continues to play down deflation concerns, it is preparing measures to combat falling prices in the event of an emergency. Are the growing fears warranted? By Christian Reiermann and Anne Seithmore...[ Comment ]

Since the financial crisis, central banks have slashed interest rates, purchased vast quantities of sovereign bonds and bailed out banks. Now, though, their influence appears to be on the wane with measures producing paltry results. Do they still have control? By Michael Sauga and Anne Seithmore...[ Comment ]

Thousands of ECB auditors have begun examining the balance sheets of euro-zone banks. Stress tests are coming soon. With the European Central Bank in charge of oversight, many hope the EU's financial industry will return to health. But there are risks. By Martin Hesse, Christoph Pauly and Anne Seithmore...[ Comment ]